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County entities benefit from farmers program

MASON CITY - - The Mason City Volunteer Fire Department and Broken Bow Food Pantry will now be able to better serve the community thanks to the support of local farmer, Joan Zimmer, and America’s Farmers Grow Communities. Sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, which is the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, Grow Communities provides farmers in eligible counties the chance to win a $2,500 donation for a local nonprofit organization of their choice. To further support counties declared natural disaster areas by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) due to the drought this year; winning farmers in these counties are able to direct double donations, a total of $5,000. Custer County was declared a disaster area by the USDA, giving Zimmer the opportunity to choose two organizations to receive $2,500 donations. She selected the Mason City Volunteer Fire Department and Broken Bow Food Pantry. The fire department will use the funds to purchase a new foam system for a grass rig. Broken Bow Food Pantry will use the donation to stock its shelves by purchasing canned and frozen foods. “The fire department fought many fires this past year because of the drought and needs to purchase new equipment,” Zimmer said. “The food pantry is also in need of additional funds to continue serving our county.” This year, the Monsanto Fund will invest nearly $6 million in rural America through Grow Communities, which includes double donations for counties impacted by the historic drought. In Nebraska, $390,000 is being given across 78 counties. America’s Farmers Grow Communities is sponsored by the Monsanto Fund to partner with farmers in helping them positively impact their communities. This program is part of the Monsanto Fund’s overall effort to strengthen rural America. For a complete list of Grow Communities winners and more program information, please visit growcommunities.com.